GHSA Officer John Saunders Selected for White House "Champions of Change" Initiative

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Officer John Saunders has been named a "Champion of Change" as part of President Obama's Winning the Future initiative. GHSA nominated Mr. Saunders, who was selected along with 19 other transportation professionals who embody the concepts of "Innovate, Educate and Build" across the nation's transportation system. Today, Mr. Saunders and GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha are participating in the Champions of Change Roundtable, discussing common experiences across the nation's transportation system and exploring ways to continue to build a world class transportation workforce.

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Mr. Saunders serves as Director of Virginia's Highway Safety Services and has been a member of the Executive Staff of Virginia's Department of Vehicles since 2003. For the last two years, Virginia has set record lows in the number of highway deaths statewide. After many years of service to the Association, Mr. Saunders was elected Secretary of GHSA in 2010. He also serves his state and GHSA in a variety of roles on national committees and task forces. In addition to his work in highway safety, Mr. Saunders is an associate minister at Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He regularly volunteers at the Fredericksburg-Area Food Bank and assists the Salvation Army, including coordinating volunteers and participating in its holiday "Red Kettle" fund drive.

According to GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha, "The Association nominated John because of his tireless commitment to highway safety and his dedication to bettering our communities through volunteerism. John's great spirit and optimism provide motivation to all of us in our efforts to make our nation's roadways safer."

More information about the Champions of Change initiative is online at www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq.

SOURCE Governors Highway Safety Association